MTN MoMo and Next Travel Launch Digital Flight Booking Platform

What the report says

Nile Post reports that MTN MoMo Uganda and Next Travel have introduced “Travel by MoMo,” a digital flight-booking service that lets users search, compare and pay for air tickets through MTN’s mobile money platform. The service is aimed at Ugandan travellers and is accessible through the MTN MoMo application, with fares displayed in Uganda shillings and payments completed without the need for a credit card.

According to the report, the companies said the platform is intended to reduce common difficulties in booking international travel, including moving between several websites, limited payment choices and foreign-currency transaction hurdles. MTN MoMo Uganda Managing Director Phase Lubega said the product was built with local traveller needs in mind, while Chief Product Officer Jemima Kariuki said mobile money-based flight payments could broaden access for customers who do not use credit cards.

Next Travel Managing Director Jonathan Martin Kyeyo said the partnership is designed to give customers more convenience and assurance when arranging flights. The platform combines MTN MoMo’s payments infrastructure with Next Travel’s travel management and support services. Nile Post also reported that the service is powered by Amadeus, a global travel technology company, enabling access to real-time flight availability and airline options worldwide.

The launch matters because it extends mobile money use beyond transfers and bill payments into travel services, a sector where card payments and foreign-currency processing can limit access. The companies said Travel by MoMo is intended for a broad range of users, including business travellers, traders, professionals, students and families.